Newark Housing Authority Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 12, 1972
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 9
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 12, 1972
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Convicted of murder
Police Officer Roland Brewster was shot and killed while off-duty inside of a tavern at 20 Van Vechten Street.
He was inside the tavern when three men approached him and asked if he was a police officer. Officer Brewster responded that he was not and started to back away from the men. One of the men then drew a handgun and shot him. The three were apprehended and convicted of murder.
Officer Brewster had served with the Newark Housing Authority Police Department for 2-1/2 years.